OK, so sometimes I like being out in the middle of nowhere climbing peaks few have climbed. However, there is something attractive about a well-known peak like Pikes. Sure, you encounter everyone from partying kids to fitness junkies on the Barr Trail. Yet, that's part of the allure. I've spent several nights in the treeline A-Frame, and have always met the most interesting people. I don't get to Colorado often, but will return to that A-frame every time I do.

Started at Manitou Springs early in the morning for the long hike up. Nice trail all the way up with lots of solitude and then at the summit you cross train tracks, have a hot dog and a cold or hot drink and perhaps even a bowl of chili and are assaulted by a mass of people who either drove up or took the cob rail. Strange.

I drove up. Felt guilty so I drove back down about 3 road miles, then parked and hiked up about 900 vertical feet. Not a big day on the trail but at least I felt slightly better about it afterwards. Enjoyed the scenery :). The rocks and sky looked nice too.

Just signing the log. Climbed Pikes several times in 2005 as training for Rainier. Awesome peak, but a bit weird to get to the summit and contend with the parking lot, heavy breathin' tourists, and the train!